STEM fields contribute to a spectrum of opportunities through high-quality job growth and economic innovations. Congress recognized the importance of STEM by reauthorizing the America Competes Act in 2010, increasing the funding for STEM education and research. The U.S. Census Bureau's 2011 American Community Survey reported significant reductions in earning gaps for STEM workers relative to all other U.S. workers.

U.S. small businesses (firms with less than 500 employees) contribute research and development, patent production, and job creation. A McKinsey & Company study found that companies were 15% more likely to gain financial returns above their national industry median if they were in the top quartile of gender diversity; this probability climbed to 35% for companies in the top quartile for racial/ethnic diversity.

The Alabama Innovation and Mentoring of Entrepreneurs center (AIME) helps University of Alabama faculty, staff and students make their ideas, inventions and innovations commercially successful for the benefit of the university, the economy and society. It assist in three core areas:

AEI’s goal is to accelerate the growth of business development and job creation, and to provide University students a unique opportunity to move beyond the classroom and engage in real-world experiences.

​Students participate on business consulting teams with existing businesses or nurture their own start-up idea in an entrepreneurial environment.

Our mission is to aid emerging businesses with the development of management, financial, and technical skills in a maturing environment so that they can thrive in the local business community.The Edge Center offers the following support to entrepreneurs:

Military veterans are committed to excellence, driven by passion, and focused on success, which are the same values that lead to military success and are critical to running a business. Whether you're just starting out with an idea or looking to grow your current company, entrepreneurship can be an exciting and rewarding journey.The FastTrac® NewVenture™ program is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who have an idea for a business, but need a plan and framework to successfully start a company. Participants will address start-up issues such as assessing the competition, legal matters, marketing and financial management aspects. The program will help these entrepreneurs: